Jan Vertonghen has denied any fall-out with Mauricio Pochettino and insists he still “respects” the Tottenham manager.

Vertonghen was inexplicably left out of Tottenham’s starting line-up in their first three games of the season before being recalled for the North London derby.

Belgium defender Vertonghen has denied there was any fitness issue which raised question marks as to whether he had fallen out of favour with Pochettino as he reiterated his desire to stay at Spurs and “win trophies.”

But Vertonghen, 32, who is into the final year of his contract, said: “Yeah, very, very happy to be back. He (Pochettino) said before the first game against Villa it was a tactical decision and I respect that decision.

“No, no, no (it was not fitness related). I came back fit. I played in every pre-season game and I didn't miss a session. Like the manager explained, it was a tactical decision and we players have to accept his decisions.

Vertonghen has denied any rumours of a rift with Pochettino (Image: Offside via Getty Images)

“I'm experienced and fit enough to get back into the rhythm and it was just the goal before half-time that gave them the spirit to get back in the game.

"If we just killed the first half and go into the dressing room with that good feeling it's a different game.

“I think we did well, we defended well, we were good in possession, created loads of chances, were 2-0 up so it was just great in this derby away. So we have to go in the dressing room 2-0 up.”

Vertonghen also blamed the Premier League’s decision to bring forward the closing of the transfer window on more uncertainty surrounding his future.

With Vertonghen out of the team, it opened up doubts as to whether Tottenham might sell him before the European window shut, especially with his contract winding down.

Vertonghen tussles with Alexandre Lacazette (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Vertonghen insists the Premier League have made it harder for themselves.

He added: “England made that decision, expecting all the other leagues would follow. In the end they didn't. Or not yet.

"That's definitely no benefit for the Premier League. I'm not sure about what can change but it would be good if everyone was on the same page with it.

“No. I just want to focus on football now. When you don't play, you realise how important it is and it's extremely important for me.

"I've been so long with the guys, I love the club and I just want to play as much as I can. I feel great and I just want to help the club to win trophies.”